Not Just a Dream, Indonesia is Considered Capable of Building Nuclear Power Plants Like Developed Countries

Illustration of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). (Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Energy experts from various universities in Indonesia support the steps of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) as well as the Chairman of the National Energy Council (DEN) Bahlil Lahadlia to develop domestic nuclear energy. They assess that nuclear energy is a strategic step to strengthen national energy resilience while supporting the transition target to clean energy.

"So modular nuclear power plants (nuclear power plants) in the form of SMR (Small Modular Reactor) that are truly energy security for the future are nuclear power plants, but in a small form," said energy expert from Hasanuddin University (Unhas) Prof. Muhammad Bachtiar Nappu in his statement, Sunday, February 15.

According to Bachtiar, Indonesia has uranium and thorium resources which are the basic raw materials for nuclear power. The areas that have these resources, he said, are also spread in many areas such as in Bangka Belitung, Kalimantan, even in Mamuju. Therefore, SMR technology is more suitable for Indonesia as an archipelago country because its capacity is smaller and more flexible than conventional nuclear power plants. This modular reactor can be built gradually according to regional needs, especially to strengthen the electrification of remote areas.

"It's better to build this small one than a conventional nuclear power plant. Because the conventional nuclear power plant has a minimum capacity of 1,000 MW. But if it's small, for example 50 MW," said Bachtiar.

In line with Bachtiar, energy expert from the School of Oil and Gas Technology (STT Migas) Balikpapan, Andi Jumardi, said nuclear energy is the future energy that is very economical in value. "Especially for countries with large populations like Indonesia, because the price is relatively cheaper than fossil energy," he said.

Andi said that Indonesia is very capable of developing nuclear energy because it has competent human resources. He also explained that the nuclear industry is now very modern. Therefore, he dismissed concerns that are still being discussed by the public regarding the negative effects of nuclear.

"If from the research I have ever done, from the human resources side we are very competent for the development of nuclear energy. We also have uranium reserves in West Kalimantan. The Fukushima case is force majeure due to an extraordinary natural disaster. From there, technology continues to develop to anticipate similar risks in the future," he said.

In the same vein, Researcher from the Thermal Engineering and Energy Systems Laboratory (RTSE) of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Ary Bachtiar Krishna Putra, encourages the government to immediately develop nuclear energy. Ary revealed a number of technical advantages of nuclear power plants compared to conventional energy sources.

"Nuclear power is superior in terms of energy density. With very little fuel, we can generate large and stable amounts of electricity," said Ary in his statement.

According to Ary, in terms of emissions, nuclear power plants are included in clean energy sources because they do not produce carbon dioxide in the generation process. This makes nuclear relevant to national emission reduction targets. "In the process, nuclear is clean. There is no carbon emissions, only heat to turn the turbines," he said.

Ary added that the main challenge of developing nuclear power plants in Indonesia is not in the technology, but in determining the location, readiness of infrastructure, and integration with industrial areas. Therefore, Ary regrets that until now there are still negative issues in the community about nuclear energy which is considered dangerous for the environment.

"Technology is now much safer than in the past. The system is more automated, the control is tight, and the dependence on human factors is getting smaller. With the latest technology, the risk can be suppressed very low. Nuclear is often attacked through environmental issues, but when compared, fossil plants are much more polluting," he said.